Renowned psychologist Dr. Carl Jung advocated the Symbol as, “The psychological mechanism that transforms Energy.” 

If one can associate a Symbol with goals, then viewing that shape or symbol will promote the individual’s success.

Below, is a ‘real life’ story of how a symbol saved one man’s career.

Success with Symbols – Climbing the Corporate Ladder

Stories of success empower us.  With that said, I’d like to introduce you to Tim.  Tim is a bright, highly driven, networking specialist.  He has all the right qualities to move up the corporate ladder… except one; he always says exactly what he feels, in front of any audience.  He has no ‘verbal filter’ and often says the wrong thing at the wrong time.

Recently, at a major medical product show, Tim unknowingly offended a company vice president, a top salesperson, and a product director.  Needless to say, his job was now at serious risk.  Tim’s manager, John, was asked to develop a behavioral corrective action plan, one that changed Tim quickly, or Tim was history – three strikes and you’re out!

That’s where I was asked to become involved.  John was aware that I was studying Performance Psychology, and asked if I had any ideas.  Initially, I was reluctant as I worked in the same department as Tim, and also the Human Resources Department might frown on my intervention.  Then, I stopped, and thought to myself, “What are you saying?”  I was trying to back out before I’d even tried to see what I could do.  This was a perfect opportunity to try out what I had been taught.  I was going to go for it!  Besides, I knew if Human Resources took over that they would just verbally spank and humiliate Tim, and he’d be gone.  His skill set was far too valuable for us to lose.

Okay, where to start?  Now remember, John has already told Tim that he is in trouble, big trouble.  So I’m thinking he’s committed to changing, and has a strong will to succeed.

I purposely bumped into Tim in the hallway, and asked him to stop by my office at the end of the day.  He never showed up.  I want to help this guy.  But then I thought, maybe he really doesn’t want help; maybe he’s already given up and doesn’t care what happens.  So I backed off.

A day later he comes by my office.  He knew he was in trouble, but I didn’t say a thing about it.  We just started to talk.  I mostly listened.  After all, he was in trouble for what he said and how he said it. 

Then Tim told me something remarkable.  In quotes and Tim’s own words, “You know, sometimes the only place I feel really safe to talk is in the privacy of my own bathroom when I’m taking a crap.”

After I stopped laughing, I told Tim do you realize what you just said?  Mentally, you feel safe when you are on the toilet.  No one pressures you, and you are completely relaxed, right?  He agreed, and we both laughed again.

Then it hit me.  What Tim needed was something visual, that was always right in front of him.  As a networking specialist, he always has his hands right in front of him.  I suggested that he think of the following — I want you to imagine your hands, now imagine a ring on one of your fingers.  Got that picture I asked?  Yep, Tim said he had it.  Okay good, now imagine the face of the ring, and imagine it looking just like a toilet — the toilet tank, the toilet lid, and the toilet bowl!  Do you see it?  Yes, Tim said, and we laughed really loud.

Now, every time you start to speak, I want you to stop and look at your hands, and see the toilet ring.  Tim starts to speak – STOP, I said.  Look at your hands, and tell me what you see.  “I see a toilet ring.” Now make sure nothing dirty comes out of your mouth.  Now you can speak.  Tim had his verbal filter.

About 30 minutes later Tim comes back and says, “It works.”  Tim has come back several days over the last few weeks and told me the same thing, “It works.”

Tim can now climb the corporate ladder with success!